Becky Ohlsen

Becky Ohlsen is a freelance writer and critic living in Portland, Oregon. She has written guidebooks to Sweden and the Pacific Northwest as well as reviewing books, film, food and drink for various publications, including Portland's Pulitzer-winning alt-weekly, Willamette Week. A recovering copy editor, she will debate points of grammar with anyone, anytime. Becky is a member of the Sang-Froid Riding Club and has raced vintage motorcycles in Portland and Seattle. (She has never been in any danger of winning.) She has a master's degree in journalism from NYU's Cultural Reporting and Criticism program.

Grab your walking shoes, and become an urban adventurer. Local author Becky Ohlsen guides you through 33 unique walking tours in the city thatís famous for its great beer and for serious dining on a reasonable budget. Portland is home to hidden gardens, historic landmarks, award-winning restaurants, old-school taverns, oddball shops, and edgy warehouse galleries. Each self-guided tour includes full-color photographs, a map, and need-to-know details like distance, difficulty, points of interest, and more.

Stroll past organic coffee shops that line the streets at the foot of an extinct volcano. Swing through an independent bookstore nestled against flavorful food-cart pods. Cross bridges and graveyards. Wander a Smithsonian-honored boulevard. See experiments in urban renewal. Youíll soak up history, stories, and trivia on your way to the best parks, shops, restaurants, and nightlife in Oregon. So find a route that appeals to you, and walk Portland!